Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/693447
67 JULY 2016 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS and creating one-of-a-kind braking and shifting linkages (the rear brake master cylinder near the oil pump was repurposed from a Suzuki while part of the shifter mechanism began life as an antique sewing machine). The front end is a slightly modifi ed DNA unit that Brandon felt needed twin disc brakes. So he also forged the left-side front caliper support since DNA only offers a right-side bracket. Final stop- ping power is supplied by Brembo Brakes. Cooper also crafted the unique handlebars along with the bul- letproof, double-bolt exhaust system. Fully chromed wheels were bought off of eBay and once again repurposed, eliminating most of the fl ash except for a beauty ring on each side rim along with a single orange-appropriate H-D colored stripe offset by black connecting ribs all fi nished by Brandon's personal touch. And Brandon Cooper wouldn't be a true Renaissance man unless he did his own wiring, and paint, and… pinstriping. That's all his work. Working independently without a business shingle per se, Cooper turns out about one bike per year and then, "I'm on to something else. The fun was in building it." When asked why he had never entered any of his bikes in a show before he responded, "I do it for myself—the satisfaction of taking an idea through to completion. Plus we have long winters up here." But make no mistake, Brandon enjoys riding as much as building and is active with a group of area riders who have tagged him King B (he would not elaborate). He normally keeps a bike build for about a year after completion, riding it and putting it through its paces before selling it and going on to the next project. He never starts with anything new, preferring vintage models as a starting platform. After removing the engine from the donor bike and placing it on a stand in his shop, he mentally builds a frame and a general design around it. As the work progresses it often dic- tates the style and direction of the end product. But he has no particular brand allegiance and currently has a Triumph Triple in the process of a serious makeover. While in Daytona this spring with this Panhead and the earlier-mentioned Harley 45, he also had a 1972 Triumph Bonneville 750 bob- ber that he entered in several shows. Shortly after returning to Michigan, he traded the Bonnie for a '79 Police Special Shovelhead along with some cash. The Shovel soon found a new home in the shop waiting its turn on the surgery table. When asked his opinion about Daytona and the entire bike show scene, he replied that he was already planning to return next year. He said, "It was fun. I've been doing this a very long time and it was so great to see all these young guys building some really cool bikes. And solving the problems that come up along the way; as a builder, it's amazing to watch." 4 Repurposed wheels were scored off eBay Other hand-forged items include the mid-control, the jockey shift and foot clutch The Halifax River made for a great backdrop to the lines of this '59 Panhead A massive 8-quart wedge-shaped oil tank sits aft of a stock engine and transmission The hand-forged brake mechanism actuates a master cylinder from a Suzuki